May 28 2008

Carl Fletcher

Crystal Palace's CARL FLETCHER will lead out Wales as captain when they take on Iceland on Wednesday night.

FLETCHER, whose grandmother hails from Ebbw Vale, has got the nod because Simon Davies and Craig Bellamy are sidelined.

The midfielder is in line to win his 29th cap and admits it will be a big honour - although news of his elevated status came as a bit of a shock.

"I was a bit stunned, and a bit nervous, but it is a great honour and I am really looking forward to it," said the 28-year-old. "It is the ambition of anyone who plays for his country.

"I feel pretty old these days in this squad, with so many youngsters around. But it is a true honour and a nice day for me and my family.

"I have captained Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, but this is a different level. I will try to do the best I can, play my own game, and try to help anyone out who needs it."

Wales boss John Toshack said: "CARL has always done a good job for me and has never let Wales down. It is an honour well deserved."